Long Cool Woman - The Hollies | Song Tabs - Guitar Chord Sheets

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Long Cool Woman The Hollies

The original "Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress)" by The Hollies is known for its driving, swamp-rock groove and straightforward guitar riffing, reminiscent of early rock and roll. Playing it on guitar is rewarding for beginners due to its simple chord structure and energetic rhythm.

Chords and Progression

The song mainly uses basic open chords: E, A, D, G, B, and C. These are beginner-friendly and found throughout the verses, chorus, and instrumental sections.

Strumming Pattern

A steady, driving downstroke pattern works well—try D-D-DU (down, down, down, up) for each chord. For extra energy, emphasize the first downstroke and keep your wrist loose. Listen to the original to match the feel.

Chord Transitions

Transitioning between E, A, and D is straightforward. Practice moving between E and A quickly, as it repeats often. For G and C, set your fingers before switching to reduce hesitation.

Techniques and Tips

Keep your strumming hand moving in time, even if you miss a chord change. Muting the strings slightly with your palm during downstrokes can create a percussive effect similar to the original. If the B chord is difficult, try the B7 as a substitute.

Practice slowly, then build up speed to match the song’s lively tempo. Focus on keeping your rhythm steady and your transitions smooth. Most importantly, have fun playing this classic rock staple!

E

A

D

G

B

C

Intro

E E A D A

E E A D A

E E A D A

E E A D A

Verse 1

E Saturday night I was downtown,G workin' for myA F.B.E I

Sittin' in a nest of bad men,G whiskey bottlesA pilin'E high

Bootleggin' boozer on the west side full ofG people who areA doin'E wrong

Just about to call up the D.A. man, when IG heard this womanA singin' aE song

Chorus

AA pair of 45s made me open my eyes, myB temperature startin' toA rise

B She was aA long cool woman in aC black dress, just aA five nine beautifulE tall

WellA just one look I was aC bad mess, 'cuz thatA long coolG woman had itE all

Instrumental

E E D A

E E D A

E E A D A

E E A D A

Verse 2

E I saw her head up to the table, well aG tall walkin'A big blackE cat

Then Charlie said "I hope that you're able boy, well I'mG tellin' ya sheA knows where it'sE at"

Well suddenly we heard the sirens, andG everybodyA started toE run

A jumpin' out of doors and tables, well IG heard somebodyA shootin' aE gun

Bridge

Well the D.A. was pumpin' my left hand, uh maG she was aA hold of myE right

Well I told her 'Don't get scared 'cuz you'reG gonna be spared'

IA gotta be forgiven if I wanna spend a livin' with a long cool woman in aC black dress

Just aA five-nine beautifulE tall

Yeah withA just one look I was aC bad mess 'cuz thatA long coolG woman had itE all

Outro

G Had itE all

G Had itE all

E E A D A

E E A D A

E